Page 41 of One Pucking Surprise
“Nothing that’ll get us arrested or killed,” he replies smoothly. “And nothing disgusting. It has to be appropriate.”
I study him for a moment, searching for an angle. “You’re awfully confident.”
“Because I’m going to win,” he says simply, his smirk infuriatingly smug. “Unless… you don’t think you’ve got what it takes.”
The challenge sparks something in me, and I step closer, meeting his gaze. “Fine. When I win, you’re going to be my slave for an entire day.”
He laughs, his eyes lighting up. “Deal. And when I win, you’re going to regret ever making that bet.”
“We’ll see,” I reply, grinning despite myself.
“Good luck, baby,” Zach murmurs, his lips brushing mine as he plants a lingering kiss there. “You’ll need it.”
I laugh, rolling my eyes. “Don’t get cocky.”
“I’m not cocky. I’m confident,” he teases, his grin as infuriating as it is charming. “See you in a couple of hours.”
With a final wink, he jogs off to join a group of his cousins. They’re already laughing and strategizing, their energy palpable as they head toward another part of the estate.
“We’re going to crush them,” Blair announces, sliding into the driver’s seat of a golf cart nearby. “Come on, Lainey. Let’s go win this thing.”
Whitney hops into the back with a triumphant smirk. “Zach doesn’t stand a chance.”
Just as I move to climb into the front passenger seat, Clarissa appears, practically materializing out of nowhere. “Room for one more?” she chirps, her smile impossibly bright.
The atmosphere shifts immediately. Blair stiffens, and Whitney’s smirk fades into something closer to irritation.
“I think we’re full,” Blair says dryly, but Clarissa doesn’t seem to hear—or care. She hops into the back seat, wedging herself beside Whitney.
“I’ve got a good feeling about this team,” Clarissa says, clasping her hands together. “With me here, we’ll definitely win the biggest prize.”
Blair glances at me, her expression a mix of exasperation and humor. I bite back a laugh and shake my head as I climb into the passenger seat.
“I’m out,” Cora announces suddenly, throwing up her hands. “I don’t have the patience for this.” She shoots a pointed look at Clarissa. “Good luck, though.”
“Typical,” Whitney mutters.
Cora shrugs. “You’re not wrong. See you later.” With that, she walks off toward the main house.
Blair starts the cart, revving the engine. “All right, let’s get this over with. Everyone, hop on.
I slide into the seat next to Blair, and Whitney hops into the back again, but then she hesitates. “Actually, I need to use the bathroom,” Whitney says, standing up suddenly.
Blair narrows her eyes. “Oh, please. You’re bailing, and we all know it.”
Whitney offers a shameless grin. “Guilty as charged.”
Before Blair can respond, Whitney saunters away, leaving just the three of us. Blair groans, shaking her head, but she doesn’t dwell on it. “Fine. Let’s go.”
As we drive toward the woods, Blair points to various landmarks where items might be hidden. “Most of the good stuff is out here,” she says over the hum of the engine. “Keep your eyes peeled for anything shiny or out of place.”
I nod, scanning the landscape. Shouts from other teams echo through the property, and a few people cheer when they find smaller items. The excitement is contagious, even if the tension in the cart is palpable.
“We’re definitely winning this,” Clarissa declares, her voice breaking the silence. “I can feel it.”
Blair snorts. “Sure thing, drama queen.”
Clarissa leans forward, her tone overly chipper. “I’m just saying, with me here, we’ve got a shot at the big prize.”
